Major update on critically injured passengers onboard flight hit by severe turbulence killing one

An update has been provided on the injured passengers that were onboard Singapore Airlines flight SQ321 on Tuesday 21 May, after it went through major turbulence.

One passenger, a 73-year-old Brit, sadly died during the turbulence and though medical experts wait for the results of an autopsy, it is suggested that a heart attack caused his death.

suggested a heart attack as a possible reason.

Several others were left injured after the flight from London to Singapore made an emergency landing in Bangkok, Thailand at 3:45pm local time.

The Boeing 777-312ER was carrying 211 passengers and 18 crew before it hit severe turbulence, with the media reporting that ambulances were waiting by the tarmac to reach the plane as soon as it landed.

One passenger died amidst the chaos. (X/@tinchok555)

Singapore Airlines said in a statement: "Singapore Airlines flight #SQ321, operating from London (Heathrow) to Singapore on 20 May 2024, encountered severe turbulence en-route."

According to flight data, the aircraft was cruising at 37,000 feet on Tuesday, when the plane then dropped sharply, before climbing several hundred feet, which it continued to repeat for around a minute.

Several passengers were eating their breakfast at the time of the incident, with photos and videos in the cabin following its emergency landing revealing the severe damage caused by the turbulence.

Compartments were smashed open, air masks were dangling above the seats, and one photo revealed an open section of the ceiling, with parts of the plane's interior hanging through.

One passenger even managed to document the events from onboard the plane.

However, an update was issued today (Thursday 23 May) regarding the health of some of the 55 reported injured passengers.

According to Adinun Kittiratanapaibool, director of the Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital in Bangkok, more than 20 of those injured have suffered spinal injuries.

The cabin was completely destroyed. (Viral Press)

He stated to reporters that it is treating 22 patients with spine and spinal cord problems, six with skull and brain injuries, and 13 for bone, muscle, or soft tissue complaints.

The doctor also revealed that 17 of these patients had undergone surgery, which includes procedures such as suturing and spinal operations.

The passengers injured onboard flight SQ321 included residents from the UK, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Spain, the US and Ireland, according to the Samitivej Srinakarin Hospital.

71 passengers in total were said to have been reported injured, with 55 remaining in hospital, including the 40 currently at the facility in the Thai capital.

Out of the original passengers and crew on the flight, 143 were flown to Singapore from Bangkok on a relief flight sent by Singapore Airlines on Wednesday morning (22 May).